Thursday, June 13, 2013

Not your mother's orthotics!

Growing up, I knew a few kids who had to have special shoes. They were for correcting something about the way they stood or walked and usually they hated them. I didn't pay a lot of attention, but I know they weren't always the most stylish thing out there.

I finally decided to do something about my back issues and went to see a physical therapist to see how I can improve my posture and strengthen my back to support my crooked spine as it ages. Well, one of the first places she looked was my feet! She noted a fallen arch resulting in over-pronation of one foot. This compounded the effect of a slightly shorter leg which might be part of my back problem. The prescription was "stability running shoes". Didn't even know such a thing existed! So out with the old runners and in with this pair of Asics which have firm arches (different material in the arch section which is more dense) and a heel counter which doesn't give much side-to-side. As it happens these are a great fit for my narrow feet which like a wide toe box, as well.

As much as I like these shoes, they aren't always appropriate for every occasion. I've been keeping my eye out for new sandals for a while. I saw some in a store a few weeks ago which caught my eye. It wasn't the fashion that caught my eye, but the shape of the sole.

These are Orthaheel Porto III slides. The arch and heel cup in these also are meant to counter over-pronation! And bonus to that, having all three straps velcro adjustable means a perfect fit! Check out the video HERE. Interestingly, after wearing them full time (indoors and out) for a few weeks, I have the impression that my leg/foot is learning to stand with less pronation even after I take them off. Is that possible?